Israeli intel officers sent to Mumbai

MUMBAI, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Israel, concerned about its nationals trapped or missing in terrorist-ravaged Mumbai, has sent intelligence officers to India, Haaretz newspaper reported.

Separately, The Jerusalem Post quoted Israeli officials as saying the Indian counter-terrorist forces are well trained but sufficient intelligence was not gathered before engaging the terrorists.

Indian military and police commandos, who have been battling the terrorists since they went on their killing spree Wednesday, concentrated their operation Friday on freeing hostages held by the gunmen at the Chabad House, a Jewish center in the fashionable and upscale Nariman Point. The place, among other buildings owned by the Jewish community, is a favorite of Israeli tourists.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak also offered security, intelligence and humanitarian aid to India but the Haaretz report said the Indian government appeared not interested in any high-profile Israeli security assistance.

Some Indian media reports have said Israelis, Britons and Americans were the main targets of the terrorists.

Although the majority of the estimated 125 people killed by the terrorists are Indians, the toll also included six foreigners. The attackers also injured more than 300 people, including some foreigners.

The Haaretz report quoted Israeli security forces as saying if the attack on the Chabad House was established as having been planned, the security of Jewish institutions around the world would need to be fortified.

The Press Trust of India reported Barak also talked to Indian National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan.